The Uruguayan has been used in defence during recent matches, despite the squad having originally been built around him playing in midfield. Mourinho has been pleased with what Valverde has offered from the back, but acknowledged that his presence will also be required in the centre of the pitch.
“Fede is a hugely important player for the team,” Mourinho said ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League meeting with AEK Athens.
“The fact that he is captain of Real Madrid makes him look around him in a different way. When you are captain, you have to be different. It is a responsibility and I think that will make him play wherever is necessary for his team and his team-mates.”
Mourinho was adamant that Valverde would not object to being moved around, even if that meant playing out of position.
“If he has to play at left-back, he will do it because of the responsibility of being captain. For me, that is what a captain is,” he added.
The coach explained that the original plan had been to use Valverde in midfield, but the options available in that area mean he will continue to be asked to cover different roles.
“The squad was built to play with Valverde in midfield. This means that in midfield we don't have many players and, because we don't have many, he will certainly play in midfield again,” Mourinho said.
He named Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo and Thiago as the other options available centrally, while making clear that he remained satisfied with Valverde's contribution from the defensive line.
Mourinho also confirmed that Vinícius Júnior would start against AEK and explained why the Brazilian was the most natural fit on the left wing, despite having several attacking alternatives.
“Don't forget Brahim, don't forget Endrick. We have a lot of quality players there,” he said. “Of all of them, Vini is the player most adapted to playing on the left wing. We know that.”
The Portuguese also warned against underestimating AEK, pointing to Real Madrid's record in Athens.
“Madrid have only won once in eight matches here. That must mean something,” he said.
Asked how long he needed to bring his team to perfection, Mourinho answered with characteristic brevity: “Three years.”